The Women’s Board of the Joffrey Ballet presented the “sweetest” event of the holiday season, the Nutcracker Family Dinner, celebrating the final season of Robert Joffrey’s rendition of “The Nutcracker” on December 6. Following a matinee performance of “The Nutcracker”, more than 400 guests arrived on festive

Cassandra and Carinne Forpanek, Shon Kyle and Payton Peebles

trolleys at the Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel and were welcomed by Joffrey Women’s Board co-chairs Merritt DeWitt and Sandi Hartstein, Joffrey executive director Greg Cameron, and Joffrey artistic director, Ashley Wheater, as well as the Joffrey’s own ballerinas. This family-friendly event featured endless fun for children

Joffrey trainee, Kenadie Major and Joffrey trainee

and adults alike including activities such as customized beaded jewelry sponsored by AVP Jewelry and Beads, keepsake and decorated pointe shoes from Allegro Dance Boutique, customized

Karen, Gianna and Julie Sherman

airbrushed beanies from RNR studios, dazzling nail art from Jamberry Nails, face painting from JusFACEit and other creative crafts and fun from L&A Healing Studio. Guests were invited to keep a memento of the fun evening with photos from Smilebooth Photo Booth. This is always such a wonderful event for kids and adults alike. I love attending and watching the attentive little faces of

Mark Hechinger, Brent Hawkin, Kathleen Hechinger

the younger kids as they paint, glue and craft. Dinner was served in the elegant ballroom with tables surrounding the dance floor. To keep the sugar plums dancing in everyone’s heads, guests were

Lois Morrison, Tamara Buday, Sabrina Gracias

served dessert first, as is the custom in the “Land of Sweets”, as well as offered chocolate covered candy from Wrigley, a Subsidiary of Mars Inc., trail mix from Whole Foods Market and a sweet swag bag of treats from Magnolia Bakery. Following dinner, guests showed off their own moves on the

dance floor and joined in fun games and raffle prizes. There's so much to do and such beauty to enjoy during this event. Chuck and I went to a performance where husband/wife team of Temur Suluashvili and Victoria

Kathleen and Mark Hechinger with Martha O'Bryan

Jaiani danced the roles of the Snow King and Queen. You could hear a pin drop in the audience at the Auditorium Theatre. I'll miss the magic of this Joffrey production (through December 27) but can't wait to see what choreographer Christopher Wheeldon has

Genine Shafer and Jennifer Lane (co- chairs of the Holiday Luncheon)

in store for the new "Nutcracker"! (Photos by Dave Joel)

The Service Club of Chicago held their annual Sip and Shop Holiday Luncheon on December 8 at the elegant University Club of Chicago. With over 200 guests in attendance, this event was another sellout for the organization. Co-chairs Genine

Club president, welcomed guests and helped raffle off 18 holiday presents. Attendees sipped Champagne and mixed and mingled under the grand tree in the opulent Cathedral Hall where carved woodwork and massive stained glass windows added to the holiday atmosphere. A

Abby Lipton and Kathy Piccone

delicious lunch consisted of Vidalia onion soup; pesto brushed grilled Canadian salmon and a vanilla crème brule for dessert. Entertainment for the event included holiday caroling by the Chicago Gay Men's Choir, a Gingerbread Man posing for photo opps and a 12 Days of Christmas sing-along. Surprise, generous donations were made to the Service Club by the Drake Hotel's Chef Bruno, Elysia Root and beloved designer

Diego Rocha and Tina Weller

Elda De la Rosa. Attendees brought gift card donations to help the event's charity partner, Gilda's Club of Chicago, with crafting and knitting supplies. Gigi's Playhouse assisted with the centerpieces by hand-painting commemorative mugs to celebrate the 125 years of the Service Club. Congrats to all! (Photos by John Reilly Photography).

Nicholas Ball on December 4 to raise funds for its family and children's programs. Held at the Hilton Chicago, the evening brought together more than 1,250 guests to celebrate the holidays with Most Reverend Blase J. Cupich, Archbishop of Chicago, Monsignor Michael

Nanciann, Chris, Mary Ann, Al, Anna and Matt Moschner

M. Boland, President of Catholic Charities and co-chairs for the event, Mary Ann and Al Moschner. Guests were greeted by holiday carolers and a cocktail reception followed

Steve Ring, Annie McCartney, Larry Phillips

by a 4-course dinner and entertainment by the Ken Arlen Evolution Orchestra, a world-class 15-piece orchestra combining four singers and eleven professional musicians. The event raised more than $1.2 million including generous sponsorships from Al and Mary Ann Moschner, Arthur J.

Tamara Mellon, former chief creative officer and co-founder of Jimmy Choo, and creator of her own self-titled luxury lifestyle brand, hosted an exclusive trunk show featuring her apparel, handbags and shoes

Anita Lisek, Monika Dixon

with a portion of sales benefiting YWCA Metropolitan Chicago. The trunk show was held at the Library at PUBLIC Chicago. Prior to the luncheon, the YWCA hosted a private, invitation-only luncheon with a special appearance by Tamara Mellon where she

Andrew Fry and Katie Denning

delighted guests with a Q & A session on topics from her life and from her book, “In My Shoes: A Memoir.” The trunk show was hosted by Chicago notables Carmin Awadzi; Heidy Best; Cindi Carlson; Yolanda Daniel; Kathleen Henson; Janet

Chicago’s leading cat rescue and adoption non-profit hosted its 5th Annual Black Cat Ball. The premier Tree House Humane Society fundraiser drew over 250 of Chicago’s biggest animal lovers and most generous supporters at the

A Tree House cat adoption! Yeah!!!!

Redmoon Spectacle Hall. “It’s events like this that allow us to continue our life-saving work as a no-kill shelter,” said Tree House Executive Director, David de Funiak. “They’re especially important to raising awareness and funds when over 3 million animals a year are euthanized in the U.S.” Steve Dale, a Tree House Board Member and a nationally syndicated pet journalist, acted as the event’s emcee. Actress Kathy Garver and Chicago's own Paul Lisnek also took the

Celeb guests Kathy Garver and Paul Lisnek

stage to raise much needed funds for the shelter. Event sponsors included Kendra Scott Jewelry, the Cat Hospital of Chicago, Alan Tom Prescott CPA, Blum Animal Hospital, and Matrix Partners. The Black Cat Ball raised over $95,000 to support Tree House Humane Society’s progressive work that has rehabilitated and re-homed over 20,000 sick, injured, abused, and neglected stray cats and provided more than 30,000 low-cost spay/neuter surgeries for local dogs and cats to-date. (Sprung Photos)

Michael Smith surrounded by admirers

Restoration Hardware hosted a reception for the launch of renowned interior designer Michael S. Smith’s new book, The Curated House, at RH Chicago, The Gallery at the

Bob Clark and Michael Smith

Three Arts Club, in the Gold Coast. The recently opened, first-of-its-kind retail concept provided a dramatic setting for guests to enjoy small bites, bubbly and for Smith to mingle with VIPs, including M.K. Pritzker, interior/architects designers Darcy Bonner,

influences of his design philosophy in depth and presenting a substantial offering of new projects. This beautifully illustrated monograph showcases what is integral to his style and why, and how his design philosophies work for the readers: from the forms that repeat themselves to

Michael Smith and MK Pritzker

the layering of fabrics and patterns, the use of subtle colors, and the idea of comfort in every room. The internationally renowned, award-winning decorator has been named multiple times

Darcy Bonner and Deborah Himmel

to Architectural Digest’s “The AD 100,” and was named Designer of the Year by Elle Decor. In 2008, the Obamas appointed Smith to redecorate the residential quarters of the White House, which is among the many high profile residential, hospitality and commercial projects for which Smith is known.

Yvette Klobuchar with her book "Brides Unveiled"

Yvette Klobuchar spent her life as a dress designer of spectacular wedding gowns at Mira Couture in the Gold Coast. She can now add author to her resume. Klobuchar just penned a novel, "Brides Unveiled" (fiction/Amazon.com) after hearing so many incredibly romantic wedding stories

Veronica Loquercio, Anastasia Lupu and Bob Loquercio

in her business -- as well as a few poorly timed break-up tales (that left beautiful, unclaimed wedding gowns hanging in her shop). She decided it was time to realize a longtime dream-- to write a book about everything from bridesmaids to weddings and the crazy

Nicole Skokna, Cynovia Potts, Anastasia Lupo and Christina Wiltjer

things that happen in a couture bridal gown business. Over 400 guests attended Yvette's book launch party Friday, December 4 at the Intercontinental Chicago, munching on an array of bites from Intercontinental Chicago’s chef and desserts by Urban Icing. Attendees admired spectacular wedding gowns designed by Mira Couture’s new

Mr. and Mrs. Lou Klobochar

owner Julie Mersine and showcased by stunning models that rotated throughout the party. Zzazz Productions assisted with the pizzazz, of course! Lifestyle expert Andrea Metcalf and Tracey Tarantino of Zzazz hosted the event and introduced Yvette. She delivered a heartfelt speech about her book and brought her son Alec to the stage to share a special moment.

Yvette's son Alec Klobuchar and her mom Mira Horoszowski

Husband Lou Klobuchar was Yvette’s knight in shining armor, helping her off the stage and whisking her to the book signing area where the line grew all night long. Guests literally started reading their books in the elevator. Yvette happily embraced the two "most amazing love stories" at the party--her parents Mira and Bogdan Horoszowski, married for 56 years, and close family friend and client Judge Anne Burke, married to Alderman Ed Burke for almost 48 years. (Photos by Ron Gould and Christina Pawlak)

participated in the 37th Havana Film Festival (aka The International Festival of the New Latin American Film in Havana), continuing a friendship started in Chicago in 2000. In 2000, in partnership with the State of Illinois, Cinema/Chicago hosted a

Benicio del Toro and Geraldine Chaplin at 37th Havana Film Fest

delegation from the Cuban film industry and featured a special "Cuban Cinema Today!" program at the 36th Chicago International Film Festival where seven Cuban films were screened. Fifteen years later, Chicago International Film Festival Founder and Artistic Director Michael Kutza, Programming Director Mimi

Cuban actor Mirtha Ibarra with Chi Film Fest's Mimi Plauche

Plauché, and members of Cinema/Chicago's Board of Directors traveled to Havana, Cuba for the 37th Havana Film Festival. While at the Havana festival, Kutza, Plauché, and the Board connected with local Cuban artists and directors as well as Chicago Fest alumni filmmakers and

Love these old American cars they drive

fellow Chicagoans. Between films in Havana, Plauché also met with filmmakers, actors, and producers, strengthening relationships with important Latin American industry leaders and long-time Festival friends. Kutza served on the Feature Film Jury from Dec 3 - 13. During that

Pato Castilla (Geraldine's husband) and the French jury member Laurent Cantet

time, the Jury saw nearly 50 films, including 27 features and numerous shorts. Award-winning British actress and Charlie Chapin's daughter Geraldine Chaplin, who received a Silver Hugo for Best Actress in Sand Dollars (2014), headed the jury. Chaplin and Kutza were joined by acclaimed French

Geraldine Chaplin and Michael Kutza

director Laurent Cantet who received the Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival for The Class (2008); Argentinean director Diego Lerman whose feature film Tan de repente (2002) won multiple awards at the Locarno International Film Festival; and Cuban filmmaker Manuel Pérez (Páginas del diario de Mauricio, 2006).

What better way to celebrate the holidays than with friends!? It was a very festive gathering of pals at Fred's at Barney's recently for our annual get-together. Hosted by Michaela Parrillo, Jan Flanagan and Dede Lubeznik, the room was filled to the brim with holiday cheer. Michaela, as usual, had done a masterful job of decorating, not only our table but the entire restaurant, for the

Luncheon hosts Michaela Parrillo, Dede Lubeznik and Jan Flanagan

occasion! She added a massive oversized bow to the restaurant's existing wreath and the hosts had lovely gifts at each place setting for guests. A gift exchange that allowed "stealing" brought laughter and some tears (kinda kidding). Attendees included Korinna Isselhardt, Kristina McGrath, Patty Nalepa, Dusty Stemer, Nina Mariano, Rebecca Besser and me! Ho! Ho! Ho!

Tom Carto, Chuck, CHETours founder Trevor Heffernan, David Murga

Even though we've been on a helicopter before, it was nothing like the exhilarating experience of flying over our beautiful city from the comfort of a luxury EC130 and enjoying the epic views and glorious holiday lights during our Chicago Helicopter Experience. This company is

With Chuck in front of a CHETours EC130, seats 6

exactly what its tag line states, luxury redefined. Starting with its 6,000' ft. customer experience center at 2420 S. Halsted, where you can check out displays of Chicago highlights before boarding one of its fleet of helicopters, to

Up close and personal with Chicago's beautiful skyline

the actual flight over the city, every moment is exciting and memorable. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable and the ambiance is warm and cozy and sets the mood from the moment you walk in. They offer 3 different tours, a day tour ($128), a twilight tour ($178) and a night tour ($158).

Charles in Charge

The Experience was founded in 2011 by entrepreneur Trevor Heffernan and now includes Airbus models EC130 and EC135 helicopters. They will fly you anywhere in the Midwest with hourly rates available too. Chuck and I loved our flight and can't wait to go back for the other tours. We had never seen the city from this

Sari Zernich, Art Smith, Linda Novick O'Keefe, Jesus Salgueiro

perspective and it was exhilarating from takeoff to landing! (For more details, click here and to see my video, click here!

Good news for Chicago Charities including one near and dear to my heart! Chef Art Smith and Jesus Salgueiro's Common Threads was one of the lucky recipients of Michael Jordan's undisclosed Dominick's settlement. Twenty-two other kid-based charities will also be receiving funds including Chicago Scholars, Chicago Youth Programs,

With the cutest Bunny couple I know--Bill Kurtis and his Donna LaPietra (Photo by Mila Samokhina)

Thanks so much to the legendary Bill Kurtis for including me on his fabulous "Decades" show! Former Playboy photographer/editor Jeff Cohen and I discussed the Glory Days of Playboy and we had great fun skipping down

Well, are you coming? Rail Events Productions is proud to announce service on board THE POLAR EXPRESSTrain Ride at historic Chicago Union Station this holiday season. The magical story comes to life when the train departs Union Station for a one-hour round-trip journey through downtown Chicago. Powered by Amtrak, the journey runs daily through Jan. 3. Exact excursion times are available by visiting the Schedule & Tickets link here. Deluxe Class tickets are $55 for adults and $43 for children ages 2 to 11. Each ticket includes a souvenir hot chocolate tumbler and keepsake sleigh bell! Families are encouraged to wear pajamas for the ride! What fun, count me IN!

Alex Sabbag

I loved seeing one of my favorite PR peeps and friend, Alex Sabbag, featured in this month's CS Magazine! She is one of the "What's Next Entrepreneurs", a title very well deserved! Congrats Alex!

Thanks so much to Sally Schwartz and her awesome Randolph Street Market for allowing me to do what I like best, shop for Christmas collectibles! During the Market's Holiday Tastemaker event I had the honor of creating a holiday table alongside Luxe Mag's Brittany

Luxe Mag's Brittany McGuire

McGuire and Studio KL Chicago's Ken Ludwig and Darren Fink! This Market has it all--vintage treasures, delicious food, free gift wrapping, entertainment and so much more! Check out their website for next year's schedule here! (The next Market will be Jan. 30/31st)!

A treasured ornament of my mom and me.

Another year almost gone....can't believe it all went by so fast! And what an amazing year it's been too! I love to reflect on the past but look forward to the future. I'm fortunate to have so much to be grateful for....good health, loyal friends, exciting memories, great "kids" and a loving, wonderful

Jean Jordan (R) and her friend Kay Mann

husband. I know Christmas will never be the same without my mother-in-law Jean Jordan, who left us too soon, or my mom Elsa Stott who I lost in 2002 (and so many others) but we can't dwell on the sad. Life goes on and so shall we.

Santa Rooney, he knows when you've been good!

Here's what I'm hoping for in 2016. For one, I don't plan on answering each and every email I receive. As much as I love staying connected, my emails have become like a giant nest of baby birds--always needing to be fed. Sadly, I will miss some messages, but I hope you'll understand. I plan on being outside breathing fresh air, taking walks with the kids and Chuck, enjoying new adventures and creating more lasting memories. Maybe we'll think about an exotic land...somewhere that will take us out of our comfort zone...we haven't decided yet but it will be fun dreaming and doing. And I hope that you will continue to enjoy what I love to do--my blog, my Chicago Now blog, my Chicago Tribune column and my Candid Candace TV internet show. I love taking you along to all my

Love and Happy!

parties and events. It's a great way for you to attend without buying a ticket! It's also is a wonderful way to shine a light on all the unbelievable charity organizations we have in this extraordinary city. So, I hope you stay with me so we can take more great journeys together in 2016!

Here's hoping you, your families and friends are having a magical holiday season! I'll "see" you next year!

The Chinese American Service League’s (CASL) 33rd Annual Winter Benefit, Winter Night Chic, was held on December 4 at the Bridgeport Art Center's Skyline Loft. Rustic glamour and sweeping city views delighted nearly 500 guests as they mixed and mingled and enjoyed Asian cuisine from eight popular eateries. DJ Aileen Tie (aka

CASL Special Interest Dance Group with Bernie Wong and David Cotton

Orion Roswell) set the mood for a night of networking as guests, corporate leaders and local media celebrities tweeted out the fun, shared selfies on jumbo screens and kicked off the holiday season in grand

and Sue Ling Gin Charitable Foundation. Emcees Judy Hsu and Nancy Loo welcomed guests along with these notables who were seen on the scene: Toni Preckwinkle (President of the Cook County Board of Commissioners); Patrick Thompson

Dunhwang, a city in western China, where there is a mixture of Buddhist and Chinese cultures. The dancers performed with their Pi-Pas, traditional Chinese string musical instruments. Participating restaurants included MingHin

LED sticks! Milestone Wine and MillerCoors generously donated libations. The event raised over $125,000 for CASL to continue its wonderful variety of programs (over 30) to

Emcees Judy Hsu and Nancy Loo with friends

benefit everyone in the community from seniors to toddlers. Love this organization and its dynamic founder Bernarda "Bernie" Wong! Congrats to all! (To learn more about CASL, click here!) (Photos by NewsWithJudy.com and Ben Lau)

The HistoryMakers, a national non-profit that develops, preserves, and provides online access to an archival collection of African American videotaped oral histories, presented “An Evening with Sheila Johnson” at The Art Institute of Chicago recently. The celebrity interview program, “The HistoryMakers, An Evening With…” is an annual fundraiser for the organization and consisted of a one-on-one interview

Thomas and Madeleine Burrell

with Johnson conducted by award-winning journalist Gwen Ifill. (It was taped live for airing on PBS-TV). Ifill’s interview led the audience through Johnson’s

Desiree Rogers--Love this jacket!

successful life as an entrepreneur--she is co-founder of Black Entertainment Television (BET), founder and CEO of Salamander Hotels & Resorts and the only African-American woman to have ownership in three professional sports teams: the NBA’s Washington Wizards, the NHL’s Washington Capitals and

Venue scene

the WNBA’s Washington Mystics! Wowza! The taping also included tribute performances by R&B artists Kindred and Family Soul, accomplished vocalists Joan Collaso and Everett Greene and violinist Susan Starrett. Julieanna Richardson, founder and

and Berry Gordy. The evening ended with a gala reception in the Modern Wing of the Art Institute. The HistoryMakers designated the Library of Congress to serve

Linda Johnson Rice

as the permanent repository for its collection of interviews. To date, the organization has interviewed over 2,700 HistoryMakers with the goal of creating an archive of 5,000 interviews or 20,000 hours of unique, first person testimony.

Stephanie and Carolyn Branton

More than 300 professionals from Chicago’s corporate, civic and philanthropic communities raised their glasses to support Chicago Commons at the 121-year old non-profit’s annual wine-tasting fundraiser, Pour Out Your Heart for Commons, at Galleria Marchetti. The festive affair raised nearly $120,000 to support Commons’ critical work in early

James Hutcherson and Daisy Martinez

education, youth services, adult education and senior care. The high energy evening, presented by Chicago Commons Emerging Leaders Council (CELC), featured the opportunity to sip wines from around the world, dine on delicious hors d’oeuvres, sample a variety of craft beers and peruse a silent auction. The evening,

Julia Clark and Erich Steinhaus

chaired by Allison Carroll of Leo Burnett and Alberto Ortega of Sodexo, also featured a luxurious raffle item, a stay at the Chateau du Chironin Oradour-Saint-Genest, which is located on the French countryside three hours northwest of Bordeaux. Guests danced the night away to the sounds of the Chicago Players, who played a variety of music from

Michael Touloupakis, Sarah Frick and Mack Alsaidi

classic rock, standards, soul, and Motown, to hip-hop and indie rock. The fun continued at the after-party at Bar Siena in the West Loop. All proceeds raised from the event support the work of Chicago Commons with 92 cents of every dollar invested into programming. (Photos by Dan Rest)

Orbert Davis

The Auditorium Theatre hosted The Billy Strayhorn Festival Gala Celebration at The Hilton Chicago to celebrate the culmination of the Festival, a three month long

Jennifer and Tom Baryl, Ann Nash, Dia and Ed Weil

celebration honoring the jazz legend with concerts and educational panels at jazz halls and other organizations throughout Chicago. The Gala evening began with cocktails and

McGhee Osee and Linda O'Bannon

hors d’oeuvres in the Hilton’s beautiful Normandie Lounge followed by dinner in the elegant Grand Ballroom with entertainment by Orbert Davis & The Rich Daniels Quintet playing a Strayhorn program. The Gala was co-chaired by Bruce Bachman, Sidney and Sondra

Greg Thompson and Greg Cameron

Berman Epstein and Dave Samber and Darrell Windle. Honorary chairs were Alyce and Rochelle Claerbaut. The event was attended by nearly 300 guests and raised $215,000 to support the initiatives of the Auditorium Theatre.

Ali Malekzadeh, Darcy Evon, David Hiller

Following the Gala, guests boarded trolleys en route to the Auditorium Theatre for VIP seating at the finale performance of The Billy Strayhorn Festival, Lush Life: The Music of Billy Strayhorn. The fully staged salute to

The Union League Boys & Girls Clubs hosted its 38th Annual Gala held at the Club raising over $300,000 and highlighting the organization’s deep commitment to the 13,000 at-risk youth it serves in the Pilsen, Humboldt Park, Near West Side, Bucktown, Englewood and South Lawndale communities. “Every afternoon offers us a

chance to change a child’s future and we are truly thankful for our Gala benefactors that are helping us seize that opportunity,” said Terry Hendrickson, ULBGC board president. “Our Gala is crucial in funding our after-school programming designed to ensure success is

John Hamilton & Katie Hamilton

within reach of each young person that walks through their Club doors,” added Hendrickson. Proceeds from the Gala help change lives through after-school programming at eight club sites in Chicago. The ULBGC also operates a 247-acre summer residential camp in Salem, Wisconsin for the

Michael and Michele Sullivan & Michele

benefit of its Boys & Girls Clubs members. Last year, the Clubs hosted an average 1,400 youth each weekday and served more than 143,000 after-school meals. For the event, Gala chairperson Nancy Ross, ULBGC board first vice president, led a team of creative volunteers who worked tirelessly to present a memorable evening for 312 guests. Attendees enjoyed an elegant dinner, dancing to the sounds of the Al Sofia Orchestra and silent and live auction prizes. Matt McGill, WVON-1690 AM radio host, emceed the event and is one of the

country’s premier morning-drive personalities with a show that offers substantive conversation mixed with his own brand of observational humor on the Talk of Chicago radio. For 95 years, the Clubs has served youth that need them the most in Chicago by promoting academic success, good character and citizenship and healthy lifestyles among

Adriana and Johnny Cooke

its members. In 2014, the Union League Boys & Girls Clubs served 12,942 youth with an average daily attendance of 1,407 youth, a 45-percent increase over the past three years. Great stats! Congrats to all! (Photos by Joe Gallo)

This year's Mpower the Night, the 2015 holiday celebration supporting Metropolitan Family Services, was held at the Fairmont Chicago recently raising $1.2

John McClure, Mike Vardas, Ric Estrada

million to support MFS' programs and services. Nearly 600 guests attended the bash, emceed by Ravi Baichwal, co-anchor of “ABC 7 Weekend News.” Retired Northern Trust Company executive and longtime Metropolitan Board Member John McClure and

John Idler, Diana Palomar and Ravi Baichwal

the McClure family were honored for their dedication and generosity in supporting MFS' mission of M-powering families. Guests raised awareness and shared the fun-filled night by tweeting photos and event details with the hashtag #MpowertheNight. Chicago-based

Jeff Dorsey, Bernina Dorsey

composer and artist Benjamin Montalbano welcomed guests to the reception on his jazz piano, while Enough Said, a Maggie Speaks Band, kept the party going after the program with music that kept guests on the dance floor. The night included an

Dina and Steve Gonzalez

auction that included trips to Mexico (which sounds real good right now!) and a wine raffle of select vintages culminating in a grand prize of 50 bottles! Metropolitan Family Services Mpowers families "to learn, to earn, to heal, to thrive." Part mentor, part motivator, part advocate, since 1857 Metropolitan Family Services has been the engine of change that empowers Chicago-area families to reach their greatest potential

for its year-round Education Program, which welcomes 8,000 Chicago Public School students to free film screenings throughout the year. Guests included governing board member Lauren Robishaw,junior board

mix of hip hop and 80s classics. The evening included red carpet photo opps, appetizers provided by The Godfrey Hotel and a silent auction. Guests bid on a range of items including an all-expense paid trip to New Orleans, premium

Matt Corrigan. “We wanted to hold a larger-scale fundraiser for a few years, and on the heels of the 51st Chicago International Film Festival, it felt like a perfect time to keep the momentum going,” said Soltys. “The Junior Board is such a dynamic

Cinema/Chicago Development and Membership Manager Nico Rodriguez and Governing Board member Lauren Robishaw

group of people who infuse the Festival with great enthusiasm and energy. The Board not only fundraises for the Education Program, but also regularly volunteers at our Education Program events. Their support is so valuable,” said Rebecca Fons, Cinema/Chicago’s education director and organizational liaison to the Junior Board. Cinema/Chicago’s Junior Board presents

Junior Board member Jeanne Schneider and guest

events throughout the year, including a screening series at PUBLIC Hotel Chicago and “Junior Board Night” during the Chicago International Film Festival. Members range in age from 26-40 and have a passion for film and the Festival. This event was the organization's inaugural yearly fundraiser. (For more info, click here!) (Photos by Timothy Schmidt)

Kings founder Patrick Lyons, Carol Fox and Dan Uslan

Kings Bowl, an expansive bowling, dining and cocktail venue, opened a new location in Lincoln Park in the new retail and entertainment destination NEWCITY (1500 N. Clybourn Avenue). The opening night bash attracted more than 500 guests who enjoyed a variety of festivities throughout the evening including fire dancers, aerialist performances, bowling and even a Joan

Rivers impersonator that greeted guests upon their arrival! An amazing array of delectable hors d’oeuvres were served, from mini lobster rolls to an adult snow cone and a cotton candy bar! Kings’ new 24,000-square-foot complex will be its most impressive to date, featuring 16 ten-pin bowling lanes, a full-service upscale

Nick Harkin, Joan Rivers impersonator and Alex Jakubiak

lounge, 222-foot bar and game room. Having opened its first Chicago-area location in Rosemont’s MB Financial Park in 2012, the

David and Ashley Huber and Rynee and Ryan Greshock

Lincoln Park location will be Kings’ eighth venue nationwide. “Kings is pulling out all the stops with special features for the Lincoln Park location,” said Patrick Lyons, founder of Kings Bowl. “We have a lot of surprises in store and we can promise guests a great experience that

Fred Marshall and Kyle Prater

will reignite the fun and camaraderie of bowling paired with an expansive menu, great music and creative mixology.” Kings Bowl is committed to being an actively engaged member of the greater Chicago-area, supporting the community and its charities by hosting fundraisers, including annual celebrity-driven charity events attended by the likes of

Gustaro Bilbao and Lisa Richardson

popular celebrities and athletes including Bears Charles “Peanut” Tillman, Matt Forte Jim McMahon & Otis Wilson, KISS FM’s Fred & Angie, Jarrett Payton and former White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen. Kings will immediately look to make a similar impact at its Lincoln Park location. Other famous

Quenten decorating the White House!!!

guests at Kings include Lady Gaga, Adam Sandler, Seth MacFarlane, Mark Wahlberg and many more of music and Hollywood’s finest.

Congrats to Chicago's own Christmas elf, Quenten Schumacher, who was invited to help decorate the White House for the holidays! Quenten

worked on the Military Tribute tree, among lots of other festive decor, and hand-placed 56 snowmen on the White House lawn representing our U.S. states and territories! A large AIDS ribbon hangs from the columned portico and the Promenade ceiling treatment features hand-cut snowflakes donated from

Elfin Magic!

students around the country. Each state is represented by a custom-laser cut snowflake with state related icons. The Gingerbread House weighs 500 lbs! Q was even thanked by First Lady Michelle Obama who complimented him on his festive jacket, too (of course)! To read more fun details and see ALL the exquisite White House holiday decor, click here! Congrats Q! So proud and happy for you!!! (Watch for the PBS special airing 12/13 at 6 pm)

Two hundred lovers of beautiful architecture and historic preservation came together for a special afternoon as Landmarks Illinois, the state’s leading advocate for the preservation of historic

Bill Tyre, Elliott Otis, Bonnie McDonald, Rolf Achilles

sites and buildings, honored the recipients of the 2015 Richard H. Driehaus Foundation Preservation Awards.The awards ceremony included a panel discussion featuring several of the afternoon’s honorees, followed by the award

experience to the River North neighborhood. The contemporary Italian, open-air concept presents a marriage between a classic Italian kitchen and German bier garden, with the concept originating in Scottsdale, AZ. More than 450

annual An Evening to Imagine Gala, themed “30 Years and Growing,” commemorated the 30th anniversary of the founding of the museum and also marked ten years since the unveiling of the Museum’s world-class Glenview facility.

The event proved a great success, raising more than $700,000 to support the Museum’s educational programming, exhibits, services for children with special needs and outreach to children and families in low-income communities. 450

Sarah Alshouse and Bethany Crocker of Winnetka (co-chairs of the event)

guests enjoyed an evening of dining, music, dancing, auctions and enchanting entertainment paying tribute to the work of the Founder’s Circle, a group of eight individuals and families who made the creation of the Museum’s Glenview facility possible. Those honored at the gala included Thomas

Sheridan Turner, Sarah Alshouse, Bethany Crocker, Erin Beavers

Donahoe, The Farley Family (James, Andrew and Brian), Nancy Firfer, Dolores Kohl Kaplan, Diana Mendley Rauner, W. Fritz Souder, Frederick H. Waddell and Estelle Walgreen. The evening began with a reception in the Museum’s exhibits and continued with dinner, dancing, and a short program honoring the Museum’s Founder’s Circle

in a special tent constructed adjacent to the Museum. Guests were treated to musical entertainment from Lynne Jordan and the Shivers. Erin and Brandon Beavers served as co-chairs of the event, along with the current and previous year presidents of the Museum’s Women’s Board, Bethany

Mindy Turitz, Bethany Crocker, Alicia Waters, Molly Foster

Crocker and Sarah Alshouse. Offering 17 interactive, hands-on exhibits for children age’s birth to 8, the Museum’s mission is to encourage young children to become effective learners through self-directed complex play.

Gala co-chairs Barbara Levy Kipper and Arjun and Anu Aggarwal

Three hundred guests gathered at the Art Institute for the 5th annual Diwali Celebration, honoring the Indian Festival of Lights. Guests were welcomed to the Art Institute by event co- chairs Barbara Levy Kipper and Anu and Arjun Aggarwal. Festivities began with a

Joffrey dancers Victoria Jaiani, April Daley and friends

reception in the Woman’s Board Grand Staircase, featuring cocktails by mixologists from the Dogma Group. Guests were treated to a fashion parade showcasing the couture collection of event fashion sponsor, Sahil. The evening continued with a lavish dinner in the Modern Wing’s Griffin Court, followed

Douglas Druick and friend

by a live Bollywood dance performance. The event décor boasted lush arrangements of hot pink roses, saffron marigolds, and brightly hued Indian-crafted lanterns, all accented with flickering diyas and brightly colored linens. Guests enjoyed specialty cocktails by acclaimed mixologist, Adam Seger, and traditional Indian cuisine while taking in the Buddha

Colorful gala scene

Lounge beats in Griffin Court. Post-dinner, guests kicked up their heels on the dance floor well into the early morning hours. The funds raised at this event will support the museum’s distinguished Indian program. Host committee members were Ritu and Gautam Dhingra, Kathleen and Charles Harper, Janet and Richard Horwood, Carol Kloster, Sharad Kapur, Robert M. and Diane V.S. Levy, Siddharth and Swati Mehta, Charles

No surprise here, Pamela Anderson, 48 year-old mom of two, will be Playboy's last nude--hand-picked by Hugh M. Hefner, her biggest fan. The actress/model will grace the cover for a record 14th time since 1989. This also marks her 15th Playboy pictorial to date. The Jan/Feb edition of the magazine, which will include Anderson's 12-page pictorial and an interview, hits newsstands Dec. 11.

The Garden lit up for the holidays!

The Chicago Botanic Garden hosted its 10th annual "All Aboard" Gala on December 4th at the Garden. Guests enjoyed a cocktail reception overlooking a landscape twinkling with 750,000 lights, the Wonderland Express holiday train that whizzed along on three different levels of tracks past

The Scottish Room by Kehoe Designs

miniature replicas of Chicago landmarks, live jazz, holiday chamber music and a dinner served in three rooms with exotic decor by Kehoe Designs. The event, co-chaired by Michelle McCarthy and Celine Lillie, was themed "In Search of Ancient Trees." The room decor was inspired by Africa (where the

Every single branch was covered in lights!

ancient baobab trees can live over 1000 years); Scotland (where the Fortingall Yew is believed to be the oldest living thing in Europe at approximately 5000 years old) and California (where the giant sequoia, the General

Chuck amid the Chicago Botanic's illuminated landscape

Sherman lives--it's the largest single stem tree in the world). A unique raffle item offered the lucky winner the chance to pollinate the next rare, blooming corpse flower, the Titan Arum! Delicious cuisine provided by Jewell Catering. Check out my Chicago Tribune column next Sunday for more fun details from this elegant affair!

Dennis Remer with Intercontinental Hotel's Chef Randy Reed and team with their People's Choice Award

The AIDS Foundation of Chicago hosted its 14th annual World of Chocolate winter gala on December 3 at Union Station. Over 1,100 guests enjoyed sweet and savory tastings from 27 of Chicago's top chefs, chocolatiers and caterers. Judges

With Michael Caputo in the Intercontinental Hotel "jail"!

and attendees voted for their favorite treats and presentations with Chef Randy Reed and his team from the Intercontinental Hotel Chicago taking home top honors--the People's Choice Award. Read all about Chef Reed's

winning presentation, who the other winners were and MORE details in my Sunday Tribune column! Congrats to co-chairs Jill Allread, Greg Hyder, Glen Pietrandoni and Ben Stringfellow on a festive night of fundraising!

Sad news.....James Payton, beloved husband of Mable Buckner-Payton (president/CEO Streeterville Chamber of Commerce) passed away on Thanksgiving Day after a long battle with cancer. His services were held on December 12 at the Fourth Presbyterian Church. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University. May he RIP.

And more sad news....much loved hairdresser Jerry Gordon left us all too soon. He was an icon, a legend, a bon vivant and, as Chicago Tribune columnist Mary Schmich called him, "A Stylist of Life." I knew Jerry when I was modeling in the '70's. He used to cut my hair from time to time and you never just got a haircut from him, you received inspiration and life lessons. He will be missed. Read Mary

I love all the cool social magazines we have in our awesome city and I especially love seeing my favorite peep's photo in them! Here's Chuck Jordan, looking handsome as always, in Michigan Avenue Magazine at the Chicago International Film Festival's Awards Night. #GreatChoice

Speaking of Chuck, he recently met up with his pals from the Mahogany Club at Gene & Georgetti's Restaurant. The food can't be beat and the ambiance is always so inviting but the best part is the wonderful camaraderie he finds there! Longtime regular Trish

Sam Fazio

made these cool G & G Christmas ornaments for the Club members! I told Michelle Durpetti she should think about selling these wonderful mementos there! #LoveIt

Under the "someone you should know" category, jazz vocalist Sam Fazio has a wonderful new holiday disc out just in time for the season, "Swingin' thru the Holidays." Sam has performed across the country and in Chicago most recently at the legendary Green Mill. If you're in the mood for some festive swing, click here!

Donnie Wahlberg, Evan Asher, Jenny McCarthy and Chef Alain Roby

Looks like the Wahlberg family has the spirit of Christmas! Recently, Jenny McCarthy, Donnie Wahlberg and their son Evan Asher helped Chef Alain Roby of the All Chocolate Kitchen (33 S. Third St. in Geneva)

Jenny's son Evan breaks the candy cane with Chef Roby

celebrate the 3rd anniversary of his World's Longest Candy Cane by assisting him in breaking the 10' replica outside his shop! Ho! Ho! Ho and now ya know! :-)

Tom O'Gorman--Skyline's new columnist!

A new columnist for Skyline newspaper! Chicago artist, writer and historian Tom O'Gorman will take over Ann Gerber's column in the Skyline shortly. Congrats to Tom who has written numerous books on Chicago history, politics and

Christmas Tree 2015

architecture and was a scholar-in-residence at the Newberry Library. Check out all the news in this great article by Robert Feder, who broke the story. Let's just hope this new columnist is kinder and gentler. The late Bunky Cushing was also considered according to the article.

Greetings from Santa!

Chuck and I and the "kids" are all ready for Christmas with every corner decorated. I love trimming the tree with all our ornaments where each one has a story. Some of our treasures include a DIY ornament made by my 2nd grade teacher, Elsa Faulkner; a Barbie Doll ornament from my mom; one from every trip we ever took; one with my Dupo High School logo on it; one

Festive on the terrace

from Chuck's alma mater Notre Dame; lots of Harry Potter and Winnie the Pooh related ones; LOTS of Chihuahua related ones (duh?!) and some from the 19th century (I collect antique Christmas items). I love the warm, comforting glow from the six trees we

Santa Rooney

have up (4 on the terrace, one in the bedroom and one in the living room)! There's just something about the holidays that warms my heart and takes my mind off the madness that's loose in the world right now. It has to end soon, I'm running out of room for holiday decor!

I hope you and your families are enjoying the season too! Thanks for reading what I write. It means more to me than you know.